Cherry grower Brian Piper (left) is congratulated by Peter Cooper, master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. Courtesy of National Cherry and Soft Fruit Show

Brian Piper of Filmers Farm in Maidstone, Kent, received the Fruiterers’ Company Medal for the Most Meritorious Cherries at the National Cherry and Soft Fruit Show held recently in Kent in the United Kingdom. He also received the Peter Lawrence Memorial Trophy for the Best Exhibit of Cherries and an award for the highest points in all classes.

Henry Bryant of D.H. Bryant and Partner, Faversham, Kent, was named the Taste of Kent Awards Champion of England Cherries.

Winners of the show’s awards gathered at The Swan pub in Teynham in November to receive their trophies from Peter Cooper, master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.

Paul Kelsey, chair of the show, said that the cost of land and natural resources are rising as the price consumers are willing to pay for food falls. To combat this, the British fruit industry must collaborate to find ways to drive demand, and the show can play a role.